Lee Westwood defends request to play in Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series opener

Westwood feels golf is coming under more scrutiny than other sports

Dylan Terry
Wednesday 04 May 2022 15:00 BST
Comments
Westwood has defended the request to play in the Saudi-backed event
Westwood has defended the request to play in the Saudi-backed event (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Lee Westwood has responded to criticism over his decision to request to play in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series next month.

The 49-year-old Englishman has become the latest player to reveal his intention to play at the Centurion Club from June 9-11.

He has requested releases from both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour in order to play in the tournament - the first of eight scheduled events this year.

But players have been widely criticised for their decision to play in the events due to Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Westwood responded: “We’ve played European Tour in Saudi Arabia and I’ve had releases from the PGA Tour to say I can play in Saudi Arabia, so it has been no problem to them in previous years.

“Formula One raced there. Newcastle United are owned partly by people from Saudi Arabia. There has been boxing there and I think there has been snooker and darts there as well.

“Golf’s not the first sport to have links with Saudi Arabia, but it seems to be coming under more scrutiny than anyone else. Whether you think that’s right or not is the individual’s opinion.

“I think Saudi Arabia obviously know they’ve got issues. I think lots of countries around the world have got issues and I think they’re trying to improve. They’re trying to do it through sport, which a lot of places, a lot of countries do.

“I think they’re doing it a lot quicker than some countries have tried to do it and that maybe worries or scares people. People don’t like change do they, they like continuity and things to stay the same.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in